Households in Brisbane City Council can expect a rate hike in its annual budget next week, but it will not exceed the local inflation rate of 6%, according to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
Key points:
- Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner says rates are set to rise in next week’s budget
- He did not reveal by how much, but said the average increase would be lower than Brisbane’s inflation rate of 6%
- Other local councils have also warned residents to prepare for a rate hike in June
Mr Schrinner did not confirm the exact average rate increase at ABC Radio Brisbane, but agreed there was no doubt that rates would have to rise.
“At the moment inflation in Brisbane is 6%,” Mr Schrinner said.
Last year, council rates increased by 3.75%, adding an average of $15.65 per quarter to residential rates.
This is the largest rate increase since the 2016-2017 budget, which increased it by 4.7%.
“I realize that everything is under pressure right now, but as an organization that builds a lot of things and provides a lot of services, the cost of our business is going up significantly,” Schrinner said.
The Lord Mayor’s comments come as the Reserve Bank eyes another cash rate hike on Tuesday as inflation continues to eat away at household budgets.
Flood Damage Bills
Most councils in southeast Queensland have been hit hard by flooding and weather damage in recent months, with Brisbane City Council having to pay a damage bill of $330 million.
The cost prompted the council to suspend or delay several parks and bike path projects last month as it seeks to recoup that cost, along with millions of dollars in lost revenue during the pandemic.
Last month, Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery, whose region has paid a $60 million bill for flood damage, warned residents to prepare for higher rates, while Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate said he was focused on keeping rates low in the council. June budget.
Water prices will increase
Some South East Queensland council tariffs do not include water bills, which are instead managed separately by Urban Utilities.
Urban Utilities spokeswoman Michelle Cull confirmed last week that water and sewer prices will rise 3% starting July 1, adding an average of $6.95 per quarter to residential bills in Brisbane and $7.15 to Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset bills.
Applications for Brisbane City Council’s $250 rate rebate for flood-affected residents close on July 15.
Affected retirees can claim up to $276 per quarter off their bill.
Job 22 months ago22 minutes agotue. June 7, 2022 at 03:38, updated 16 months ago16 minutes agotue. June 7, 2022 at 03:45